Taxdollars pay cable TV cost for inmates
By: Ashley Michels/WCIA-3 News
Updated: November 20, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- A new report shows the state spent more than $300 million on pork projects despite its backlog of bills. The report highlights things like advertising for state fair concerts, even though the Illinois State Fair loses money each year.
One of the bigger examples has to do with television though. Inmates at state prisons can get cable TV and we foot the bill. It costs more than $1 million each year.
Some say it's a good way to keep violence out of prisons. Others say it's a waste of taxpayer dollars, especially since Governor Quinn wants to close some prisons to save money.
Rep. Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) says lawmakers need to look at ways to cut excess spending, but sometimes costs are necessary. One example he points out from the report is tourism advertising.
He says it's worth it to spend a little to get people to come to Illinois. The state benefits when people spend money in the state.
